Rio Ferdinand to make Manchester United comeback for reserves against Oldham

01 September 2010 01:35

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The game at Stalybridge will take on far more significance than a usual Manchester Senior Cup tie as it will represent Ferdinand's first game since he was injured in a freak collision with Emile Heskey on the first day of training at the World Cup in South Africa.

Sir Alex Ferguson had stated that the 31 year-old would not be fit to return until the end of September.

Related ArticlesSecurity tightened for Rangers' United visitVan der Sar still has no plans to retireFerguson gives gloves to CechHargreaves' fate a warningFerguson in dilemma over HargreavesRooney 'dishevelled' after World CupHowever, at his weekly press conference last Friday, Ferguson revealed his defender had made a rapid recovery from the knee ligament problem and said he would be finding a game for him during the international break.

The Oldham match represents a suitable opportunity and if Ferdinand does come through unscathed he is expected to come into contention for a first-team comeback at Everton on Sept 11, which represents the start of a hectic week that also includes home games against Rangers and Liverpool.

Ferdinand will be joined in the Manchester United line-up by Wes Brown, midfielder Anderson, who is also on his way back from long-term injury, and Federico Macheda.